FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2012
 
Contact: Joanne Peters, Kristie Greco
   
CHARLOTTE – The Democratic National Convention Committee today announced two major changes to the convention format that will allow for the convention to be the most open and accessible in history. 
 
Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced in a press conference in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium that the convention would be shortened by one day, from four to three days.  The Monday of convention week, Labor Day, will be designated as a day to celebrate the Carolinas, Virginia and the South at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
 
Additionally, Wasserman Schultz announced that the final night of the convention will be held in Bank of America Stadium, to allow tens of thousands of additional Americans to attend President Obama’s acceptance speech.
 
“We wanted to find a way to truly make this convention different than any other in history.  We want this convention to be about more than just the pageantry and speeches you see on television.  This is about engaging Americans in a meaningful way,” said DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
 
“With changes in format and venue – shortening the convention to three days, moving the President’s acceptance speech to Bank of America Stadium and designating Monday as a day to celebrate the Carolinas, Virginia and the South – we are underlining the mission of this convention -- to engage Americans,” said DNCC CEO Steve Kerrigan.
 
“This convention is going to be not just a transaction, but a point of transformation. We are going to use this convention to make a lasting positive impact in this community and across the state and region,” said Host Committee Chair Mayor Anthony Foxx.
 
The two changes announced today are not the only way in which Democrats are changing the way conventions are held.  On February 4, just three days after selecting Charlotte to host the convention, Democrats announced that the convention would not accept funds from corporations, political action committees or lobbyists, and that it would not accept individual contributions of more than $100,000.